Charlie Musselwhite
Signature (Alligator) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
As you`d expect, there are plenty of harmonica solos on this disc:
Musselwhite is a virtuoso who dearly loves to prove it. His is a highly theatrical, post-Big Walter Horton style, full of detail and flourishes. At times it sounds lacy and delicate against the band`s rhythm patterns, though
”.38 Special” has a grand macho swagger. While most of his material is blues, he also offers the standard ”What`s New” with a very dark blue sound- take that, Toots Thielemans. Musselwhite also sings in two different styles: He shouts like a `40s blues jumper, especially in fast numbers, and, better yet, croons in a lazy, drawling baritone. The selections include an elaboration of Jazz Gillum`s classic ”Key to the Highway” and a homemade duet with guitarist-singer John Lee Hooker that includes some very liberated passages.
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)
